A New York Firm Dedicated to Health Care Law

Long Island pharmacist accused of health care fraud

New York Attorney General Letitia James has accused a Long Island pharmacist of a complex, multi-million-dollar Medicaid scam. The scam, according to prosecutors, involved pharmacies throughout New York including locations in Manhattan and the Bronx.

The state conducted an investigation of the accused, using undercover agents to enter the pharmacy and pose as patrons who needed to fill prescriptions. The operatives gathered evidence to support the following accusations:

The state conducted an investigation of the accused, using undercover agents to enter the pharmacy and pose as patrons who needed to fill prescriptions. The operatives gathered evidence to support the following accusations:

Kickbacks. The pharmacies would allegedly provide customers monetary payments in exchange for filling prescriptions at their locations.

Buy backs. The pharmacist is also accused of buying back medications from customers after receiving payments from Medicaid. The government specifically alleges the pharmacist would offer to buy back Atripl, an antiviral medication for treatment of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The pharmacy would then allegedly return the medication to their stock.

Attorney General James states the accused would open a pharmacy, purchase medications, get reimbursement from Medicaid and sell the pharmacy. The state is attempting to seize over $26 million in assets from the pharmacist and others accused of partaking in the scheme.

If the state can build a successful case, the pharmacist faces loss of his license, loss of assets and loss of freedom due to potential imprisonment.

This is the second case involving allegations a pharmacist has defrauded the government involving use of HIV treatments. Earlier this month, a pharmacist agreed to a plea deal for similar charges.

Those facing similar accusations are wise to act to build a defense. An attorney experienced in representing pharmacies and pharmacists in these matters can discuss the best course of action to protect your legal rights.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.